In Balochistan’s capital, Quetta, the longstanding hunger strike camp organized by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) was reportedly set on fire early Wednesday, reducing the protest site to ashes.
The VBMP camp, ongoing for over 15 years, advocates for the recovery of Baloch individuals allegedly forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces and intelligence agencies.
Mama Qadeer Baloch, VBMP’s Vice Chairman and leader of the camp, claimed that unidentified individuals, allegedly supported by police, were behind the attack.
“The entire camp was burned to ashes,” he said, noting this was the fourth such incident targeting their protest site, with previous attacks including the defacement of photos of missing persons.
Related: Quetta: VBMP Protest Camp Set Ablaze by Unknown Individuals
“It’s unclear why the state feels so threatened by our peaceful protest,” he added, affirming that the VBMP’s demonstration would continue despite these incidents.
He further alleged that the attack reflects a broader hostility from state institutions toward Baloch activism, mentioning previous incidents where graves of Baloch individuals were reportedly desecrated.
Meanwhile, Baloch “pro-independence” leader Dr. Allah Nazar Baloch condemned the arson, calling it “an act of state terrorism.” He described the incident as part of a broader attempt by Pakistani authorities to “silence VBMP’s peaceful efforts” led by Mama Qadeer.
“Mama Qadeer Baloch is a symbol of resilience, standing as an advocate for those forcibly disappeared,” Dr. Baloch said. Referring to VBMP’s fifteen-year protest as one of the world’s longest-standing peaceful demonstrations, he dismissed recent intimidation tactics as ineffective. “These tactics will neither deter Mama Qadeer nor weaken the Baloch nation’s resolve,” he added.
Dr. Baloch urged the Baloch people to “stand united” with Mama Qadeer in solidarity, viewing the incident as emblematic of the broader struggle for an independent Balochistan.
He concluded by saying that while authorities often resort to intimidation to suppress resistance, the Baloch fight for justice, truth, and liberation would continue. “Victory always belongs to truth and justice,” he said.